Anti-estrogens have many purposes for the chemically enhanced athlete. Many of the drier “contest prep” androgens that bodybuilders use gain much of their affect due to antagonizing estrogen at both the receptor site and inhibiting its creation all together. For those that wish to not use anabolics then anti-estrogens are much desired because they can help you achieve a better hormonal alignment without actually having to ingest hormones. Anti-estrogens can:

• Prevent (or reverse) gyno
• Reduce estrogen related bloat
• Ensure a cycle with aromatizing androgens is drier/leaner
• Increase testosterone levels – very beneficial during PCT
• Aid in fat loss (estrogen is a lipogenic hormone)

Aromatase is the enzyme that converts male hormones to female estrogens. It is the primary way men create estrogen and failure to control this on cycles of aromatizing androgens like M14AD may produce very unsightly side effects. The most commonly used OTC anti-estrogens work through inhibiting this enzyme, and they will be covered below.

ATD is a supplement that gained huge exposure in numerous OTC PCT products over the past several years. It is a suicidal inhibitor of the aromatase enzyme, meaning that once the drug has been discontinued enzyme levels slowly return to baseline. Suicidal inhibitors are often preferred because there is no “rebound” in estrogens after coming off.

Scientific data on ATD shows it to be an effective anti estrogen and also would lead you to believe it produces immense increases in testosterone, however other data shows it produces a steroidal metabolite known as 1,4,6 Testosterone. The production of this weak androgen (about ⅓ the potency of testosterone) causes false readings on testosterone serum tests.ATD has huge amounts of anecdotal feedback claiming it markedly reduces sex drive, but it was largely speculated that this was due to a substantial decrease in estrogen (low or high estrogen in males will reduce libido). Scientific literature has pointed us in another direction and shown that ATD is actually anti-androgenic (the complete opposite of what we would want).

The claims that this is great in PCT are nil when the data has been observed. It will reduce estrogen, but also occupy the androgen receptor and not allow testosterone to bind. The 1,4,6 testosterone metabolite would also theoretically produce HPTA suppression if the dose is significant.

ATD Pros:

• Reduces Estrogen
• Suicidal Inhibitor

Formestane is another suicidal inhibitor of the aromatase enzyme. It was originally studied as a pharmaceutical injection treatment for breast cancer but was pulled off the market in favor of other anti-estrogenic drugs. Formestane has been shown to reduce estrogen content within the body by 50%, so while not being as potent as some pharmaceuticals it does provide a nice reduction in levels.

Formestane will convert to the substance 4-hydroxytestosterone within the body, and this may make it hinder recovery if used during PCT. Formestane and 4-hydroxytestosterone can inhibit the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which is responsible for creating DHT. This also makes formestane a less desired approach to combat gyno because DHT is our bodies natural defense against estrogen. Studies even show that DHT therapy alone can reverse gyno in men, so it isnt exactly something suitable if reducing it might cost you a pair of moobs. Reduction of 5-alpha reductase is favorable for those prone to male pattern baldness, so those ingesting aromatizing androgens may have a safer bet using formestane to mildly reduce androgenic hormones and also estrogen if hair loss, but not gyno, is a concern.

Formestane has very poor oral bioavailability so a transdermal preparation is often the preferred mode for ingesting this substance. If oral products are to be used doses should be 150+mg per day.

Formestane Pros:

Androsta-3,5-diene-7,17-dione

(Erase)

This is the newest anti-estrogenic compound on the market. It is a suicidal inhibitor like the others above but has a few distinct alterations. First, this compound is unable to convert to a steroidal metabolite. This means that it is very favorable during PCT because HPTA suppression is impossible. The 7-oxo that this compound has also makes it good at reducing the catabolic hormone cortisol, which spikes after coming off your cycle.

Studies on the affinity for the aromatase enzyme show that this compound is actually more potent than the pharmaceutical compound Aromasin. The difference in bioavailability between the two is in favor of Aromasin, so that means that this compound would need to be ingested at slightly greater dosages (50-75mg vs 25mg).

Androst-3,5-dien-7,17-dione Pros:

• Potently Reduces Estrogen
• Suicidal Inhibitor
• Reduces Cortisol
• Strong In-Vitro Data

Aromatizing Prohormones

Anti Estrogens should be considered on any of the following compounds to reduce the likelihood of side effects:

• Methyl 1,4-AD (M14AD)
• Ment Dione
• M-LMG
• Boladrol

Anti-estrogens may not be needed on cycles containing prohormones that do not convert to estrogen, but there has been reports of hormones causing gyno regardless of estrogen conversion. This likely happens from the bodies response to increased androgen levels, which then causes adrenal hormones to convert more readily into estrogens. This can also be combated by using one of the above anti-estrogens, and should typically be your first resort if pharmaceutical preparations are not within reach.

Disclaimer

Prelude
If you’ve read any of our articles you’ll know we are big time SERM (selective estrogen receptor modulator) preachers, most knowledgeable users strongly advocate their usage in PCT (post cycle therapy). The biggest reason behind the advocacy for SERMs during PCT is that they have proven to be incredibly effective when used during the PCT phase of an anabolic steroid or pro-hormone cycle, in fact bodybuilders have been using SERMs for well over a decade, there is a long line of history backing up their effectiveness.

This article assumes that you understand the necessity for a properly planned post cycle therapy regiment.

SERMinology
Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs) are a class of compounds that act on the estrogen receptor, as you may know during the post cycle phase your body begins to restart it’s natural hormone production, most steroid compounds suppress estrogen, therefore during the PCT phase estrogen levels will inevitably increase. Too much estrogen, too soon can lead to estrogenic symptoms such as gynecomastia, weight gain, muscle loss and so on, we obviously want to avoid these at all costs therefore a SERM in PCT is incredibly effective.

There has been a lot of talk lately about using over the counter herbal based supplements for post cycle recovery, while for some cycles this may suffice, using a SERM offers quite a few advantages, here are just a few.

1. Quicker recovery
2. Proven recovery
3. Helps maintain muscle gains made on cycle
4. Low Gynecomastia risk

Downside
There are some downsides to using SERM’s mostly because they can’t be purchased over the counter, you will either need a prescription from your doctor or you’ll need to find a trustworthy research chemical site that sells SERMs for research purposes, these sites are relatively easy to come by however.

In addition SERMs are prescription drugs that may present their own side effects, just like any other medication, therefore you should understand some of the risks and potential side effects while using a SERM. While the chance of the following is low, it’s still worth noting that some of the more serious side effects can cause blood clots, stroke or endometrial cancer. Some of the more common and mild side effects associated with SERMs can be grouped into the following short list.

1. Fatigue/Lethargy
2. Hot Flashes / Night Sweats
3. Mood Swings
4. Chest Tightening / Shortness of Breath
5. Dizziness / Headaches

Nolvadex (Tamoxifden Citrate)
Nolvadex is the golden standard among steroid users, it’s by far the most popular SERM being used for post cycle therapy. Nolvadex was discovered in the 1960s however wasn’t approved for medical usage in the US until the late 1980s, today, it’s most typically prescribed to women and men who have breast cancer as it’s shown to be quite effective when used in that capacity. In short Nolvadex when used post cycle, will keep estrogen levels at bay and help to restore our bodies natural testosterone production. Nolvadex has quite a long half life at around 5-7 days, therefore even after the last dosage it will continue to be effective.

Nolvadex can reduce IGF-1 levels by up to20% but it’s also a benefit to cholesterol levels making the trade-off acceptable.  It’s also been suggested that Nolvadex can up-regulate progesterone receptors making Nolvadex a less than ideal PCT choice for progesterone based compounds such as Tren.

The standard dosing of Nolvadex for most cycles is 20mg/20/mg/10mg/10mg that’s the daily dosage for weeks one through four respectively. For the harshest compounds users can run either 30mg/20mg/20mg/10mg for four weeks or alternatively 20mg/20mg/20m/10mg/10mg for five weeks. Below is an easier to understand four week Nolvadex PCT for the common cycle.

• Week 1:   20mg daily
• Week 2:   20mg daily
• Week 3:  10mg daily
• Week 4:  10mg daily

Clomid (Clomiphene Citrate)

Clomid only takes a back seat to Nolvadex in terms of it’s popularity among steroid users, Clomid is most typically prescribed as a fertility drug for women and is the most prescribed drug for such uses.  Clomid while works slightly differently than Nolvadex will deliver the same results, it should be noted that one major benefit of Clomid is it typically works faster than Nolvadex however based on studies is slightly less effective than Nolvadex.  Clomid is the ideal choice for progesterone based compounds such as Tren, as Clomid has no progesterone up-regulating properties.  Clomid carries a long half life as well at 5-7 days, therefore even after the last dosage, it will remain effective for an extended period of time.

The standard dosing of Clomid for most cycles is 50mg/50/mg/25mg/25mg that’s the daily dosage for weeks one through four respectively. For the harshest compounds users can run either 75mg/50mg/50mg/25mg for four weeks.  Below is an easier to understand four week Nolvadex PCT for the common cycle.

• Week 1:  50mg daily
• Week 2:  50mg daily
• Week 3:  25mg daily
• Week 4:  25mg daily
  

Fareston (Toremifene Citrate)

Fareston is more comparable to Nolvadex than Clomid, they both work in a similar fashion.  Like Nolvadex, Fareston has been around for quite a while and has been in usage for more than 20 years as a breast cancer treatment, it’s also pending approval for treatment of prostate cancer.  There are also studies being performed to tests the drugs commercial viability as a gynecomastia and the lipid profile restoration, this further backs up it’s usage during post cycle therapy.  Fareston users have a greater percentage chance of experiencing side effects when compared to other SERMS and additionally the range of side effects with Fareston outnumber those of Clomid or Nolvadex.  With that said, Fareston is incredibly effective and may be the most potent SERM available, but is probably only a worthwhile choice on the harshest cycles such as Superdrol (and in any case Nolvadex will suffice).

Fareston standard dosing for most cycles is 90/60/60/30 (Week1/Week2/Week3/Week4) this will suffice for nearly ALL cycles. For the strongest cycles users can run 120/90/60/30 (4 weeks) or 90mg/90mg/60mg/60mg/30mg (5 weeks)

• Week 1:  90mg daily
• Week 2:  60mg daily
• Week 3:  60mg daily
• Week 4:  30mg daily

The Selection

The golden standard for post cycle therapy SERMs has been Nolvadex, in nearly all cases it’s the recommended SERM of choice due to it’s effectiveness and low risk of side effects and it’s among the cheapest.  Clomid is effective as well and is generally the preferred PCT for progesterone based compounds such as Tren.

You may be asking yourself how to improve upon a SERM based PCT, it’s certainly possible and if you have the money, it’s definitely viable.  Typically in most of our articles we layout a PCT that includes a SERM and also Competitive Edge Labs PCT Assist, to improve your SERM based PCT, start taking PCT assist around week two of your PCT, follow the bottles dosing recommendations as well.

Disclaimer

We are not doctors, therefore before starting any supplement or training regiment you should consult with your doctor. The information being provided is simply personal opinion.

Keep in mind that there are hundreds of products available, this is simply a listing of several popular over the counter post cycle therapy products placed into categories.  Prior to selecting an appropriate set of over the counter PCT products, you should spend sometime reading the articles available here as they will provide more clear cut answers as to what’s viable for an over the counter PCT.  This list should simply be used as a reference to compare products.

As such links are also provided to BodyBuilding.com for these products, alternatively in the event a product is not carried at BodyBuilding.com the product will link to another reputable popular online supplement retailer.  These links are simply provided for simplicity and cost comparison, most can be purchased at many online sites or stores such as GNC or Vitamin shoppe.

All-in-one

The following products are marketed as “all-in-one” PCT products that will boost testosterone and help regulate estrogen.  The following products subsequently have been used as the staple in many over the counter post cycle therapies.  An all-in-one type of product should be the base of any over the counter PCT and should be started day one of PCT.

Competitive Edge Labs P.C.T. Assist

iForce Nutrition- Reversitol

Anabolic Innovations – Post Cycle Support

Aromatase Inhibitor / Estrogen Control

The following are products that help regulate estrogen levels, in some cases these products may contain other herbs/ingredients that will also assist with our bodies natural testosterone production.  During PCT regulating rebounding estrogen is an important task that will help allow our bodies to safely return to normal production and hormone levels.  Estrogen rebound typically occurs later in PCT, therefore if you’re using a product for estrogen control in your PCT, you should begin using it from week 2 through week 6 of PCT.

Innovative Body Enhancement  – Formex

Serious Nutrition Solutions – Inhibit-E

S.A.N. – Estrodex

S.A.N – Attitude

Shocker Nutrition – TS2

PrimaForce – Androstenetrione

LG Sciences – Formadrol Extreme XL

Gaspari Nutrition – Novedex XT

Cortisol Control

Cortisol is a natural hormone produced in our bodies, however an over-abundance of cortisol can lead to possible muscle loss and fat gain, typically when coming off cycle into PCT our hormone levels are out of balance and an increase of cortisol is common.  By controlling cortisol levels we will help our bodies maintain the muscle earned on cycle, without any cortisol related fat gains.  Cortisol products should be started day one of your PCT and ran for four weeks total (in most cases, one bottle will suffice)

Driven Sports – Lean Xtreme

Competitive Edge Labs – Suppress-C

Serious Nutrition Solutions – Reduce XT

Testosterone Boosters

The following products are popular natural testosterone boosters, providing our bodies with a “boost/jump-start” of natural testosterone production during PCT.  Testosterone boosters typically aren’t a requirement during PCT, they’re a luxury.  Most PCT’s are based around an “all-in-one” type product, cortisol control and estrogen regulation as this will provide sufficient testosterone boosting, however those with deep pockets can certainly consider helping their bodies recover and maintain gains after cycle.

Biotivia – Bio Forge

Driven Sports – Activate Xtreme

ThermoLife – T-Bol

S.A.N – MyoTEST

Anabolic Xtreme – Mass FX

Anabolic Innovations – Stoked

Example OTC PCT Regiments

The following are just a few simple examples of several over the counter PCT regiments based on some of the products listed above.  These example PCT’s are based on the following designer steroid/pro-hormone compounds (H-Drol/P-Mag) and will suffice for similar compounds in the same class.  Four examples OTC PCT’s are listed below, each one based on a different “all-in-one” product for the most part.

Example #1:   [Week 1-2] PCT Assist, Reduce XT  |  [Week 2-4] PCT Assist, Reduce XT, Inhibit-E|  [Week 4-6] Inhibit-E

Example #2:   [Week 1-2] Reversitol, Suppress-C  |  [Week 2-4] Reversitol, Suppress-C, Attitude|  [Week 4-6] Attitude

Example #3:   [Week 1-2] Post Cycle Support, Lean Xtreme | [Week 2-4] Post Cycle Support, Lean Xtreme, TS2 | [Week 4-6] TS2

Example #4:   [Week 1-4] Post Cycle Support, Reversitol, Suppress-C |  [Week 4-5] Post Cycle Support